Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has restated its focus on constructive diplomacy, protecting the country’s global interests, and restoring credibility in its Foreign Service operations through thoughtful reforms and principled engagement.
The ministry disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry’s statement is coming against the backdrop of the African Democratic Congress (ADC’s) criticism that President Bola Tinubu had delayed the appointment of ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, a situation it said could damage the country’s global image and weaken its international relations.
In a statement released by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday, ADC said it was deeply concerned that for more than two years, Nigeria had no ambassadors representing it abroad.
The party described the situation as ‘embarrassing’ and warned it could lead to other countries downgrading their diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
According to the ministry, Nigeria remains fully and effectively represented in all of its foreign missions by seasoned diplomats and experienced chargés d’affaires.
The ministry said, “These professionals continue to advance Nigeria’s interests, uphold consular services, facilitate trade and investment, while safeguarding the welfare of its citizens abroad.
“To suggest otherwise is inaccurate and an affront to the commitment of Nigeria’s foreign service officers.
“Recent high-level engagements by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar demonstrates Nigeria’s robust external relations.
“These include strategic meetings with the U.S. State Department, Foreign Ministers of the UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt, as well as active participation in forums such as BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS.
“The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function and not a matter to be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement.”
The ministry reiterated that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is designed to reform the Foreign Service architecture to ensure that future postings are driven by merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment rather than patronage.
It revealed that ambassadorial appointments would be made in due course and with the solemnity deserved, while dismissing reports that Nigeria mishandled a reported U.S. proposal to accept Venezuelan deportees.
“Nigeria’s response was clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights.
“Diplomacy must not be used as a tool for partisan attacks. Nigeria’s global reputation is too valuable to be undermined by sensationalism and domestic political point-scoring,” it added.
It, therefore, urged political actors and commentators to exercise restraint, responsibility, and national consciousness in matters relating to foreign policy: “Diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion and strategic clarity, not populism,” it stated.
